Boston Celtics Should Try To Add Greg Monroe

By Eddie Santiago

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celticsare a team that is in desperate need of an upgrade in size, because having the 6-foot-9 Kris Humphries play center is not an ideal situation. Brad Stevens‘ system is something that accommodates good passing big men, and coming out of college, Greg Monroe of the Detroit Pistons was lauded for his passing ability out of the high post. The only size of note on the Celtics was Vitor Faverani and Kelly Olynyk with Olynyk playing more like a power forward.

Monroe is headed for restricted free agency if the Pistons decide to make him a qualifying offer. The Pistons need to get rid of one of the three players clogging their frontcourt. No one is going to take on that albatross of a contract that comes with Josh Smith, and Andre Drummond has really played well this season and shown tremendous growth. That leaves Monroe as the odd man out.

Even in a year that many considered his most inconsistent, Monroe averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Monroe is bound to get a max contract from someone; even though he’s not worth it, some team is going to give it to him. The Celtics will have the cap space with Avery Bradley and Humphries coming off the books.

The lack of size on the Celtics is very evident. Jared Sullinger (6-foot-9), Brandon Bass (6-foot-8) and previously noted Humphries is not a good rotation to have in the post. They’re just way too small and none of them can be depended upon. They’re good to play PF but not at center.

Monroe is your typical Princeton offense, high post center. He can shoot, has a solid post game, averages around 2.3 assists for a career and shoots close to 70 percent from the line. After his rookie year, he’s averaged 15.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG.

Getting that production out of the center spot will help open the floor for players like Jeff Green and RajonRondo. Bring in a good rookie wing player as well, like maybe a Dante Exum or possibly Andrew Wiggins, and that’s a team ready made to compete for the playoffs again next season.